CABA Information Series

IS-2008-104: Reducing U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emission: How Much at What cost?

This report from The Conference Board examines options for reducing green house gases by 2030. The U.S. is the largest emitter of these gases, but the growth rate is much lower than in China, Indonesia, and India. 40% of US CEOs thinks that reduction of these gases is very important. The reduction goals are achievable at a "quite low" net cost with possible economic benefits. However, costs will be concentrated in certain sectors such as existing buildings and homes with inefficient heating and cooling, and existing coal power plants. Buildings and homes that implement efficiency improvements in heating and cooling, building-shell designs, and consumer and office electronics will benefit.